Identification
Many different species of aphids occur in the greenhouse, varying in size and morphology; (0.5- 6.5 mm long). They can be green to black, yellow, brown, purple, pink, grey or white in colour. They have piercing, sucking mouthparts. They can often be identified by the cornicles (tubes) extending from the end of the abdomen. They are sometimes present in a winged (alate) form, but are usually found in the wingless form (apterous).
Damage They Cause:
-plant sap is removed by the stylet, causing deformed leafs and shoots -excretion of honeydew, reducing photosynthesis and causing sooty mold to colonize on the leaves -often a disease vector for viruses
Beneficial Insects for Control:
Aphidius spp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) -parasitoid wasps -lays eggs in individual aphids
